CBD vs CBN: Similarities, Differences and Effects

CBD and CBN are both cannabinoids found in cannabis plants, that’s true. Because of this, they may share some similarities but there are also some significant differences between them and their effects on the body.

In case you aren’t familiar, CBD is a fairly abundant cannabinoid found in industrial hemp where THC is in low concentration. While this compound does interact with the endocannabinoid system, it does not have the intoxicating effects of THC. This could be why CBD is gaining in popularity as an alternative treatment for some conditions.

CBN is also a cannabinoid endemic to cannabis. However, CBN has a slightly different origin story than CBD. It forms as a result of the break down of THC due to heat, light and storage. Because of this oxidation, a couple of things become true: CBN is mildly psychoactive and there is no such thing as strain of cannabis with naturally high levels of CBN.

How CBD and CBN interact with the body also appears to be different. For obvious reasons, just like THC, CBN binds to the CB1 receptor of the endocannabinoid system which is why it is considered to be psychoactive and why one might feel the effects of taking it. CBD, however does not appear to bind to the receptors directly which is why the senses remain unaltered and there are no feelings of intoxication.

Another major difference comes with their affect on appetite. In the same way that THC can cause the munchies, or an increase in appetite, not surprisingly, so can CBN. CBD, on the other hand, usually acts as a mild appetite suppressant.

Even though they are different, they are both cannabinoids after all. So there are also some similarities. These differences include their anecdotal ability by potentially affecting signals received by the brain. Another great thing about cannabinoids in general is that when used in combination, they work in synergy in what is known as the entourage effect. This essentially means that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It is no different for CBN and CBD. Combining CBN and CBD with other cannabinoids, like THC, CBG and CBC (just to name a few) means that the desired effect of one is enhanced by having the others around. This is why many people choose broad-spectrum and full-spectrum cannabis products.

So while both CBD and CBN may have potential uses in alternative therapy and may also have some similarities, they ARE different compounds with their own individual effects. As with most of the estimated 150 cannabinoids, more research needs to be done before we can identify their full effects.